Pitted Beetles - Adesmia cancellata encounter

Paint It Black (sounds like a classic Rolling Stones hit)!

It was during a weekend mountain expedition earlier this March at the Mt. Maleiha trail in Sharjah that I got multiple natural habitat encounters with these fast moving, shiny black beetles!

These awesome beetles are called Pitted Beetles, Adesmia cancellata. These darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) have found their own niche in the desert and have adapted as scavengers/omnivores. 

These fast walking beetles were out "en masse" as I was traversing the trail.  The changing season (Spring to Summer) might have activated a mating frenzy for these darklings! I observed numerous beetles in pairs and in some cases chasing each other in the ordeals of courtship.

Their "painted black" color and the numerous pits on their elytra put against a light colored desert sand and dry rocks background makes them easy to spot.

I was doubly amazed to observed  how fast they walk on the desert sand and rock surfaces. 

Awesome creature! Awesome Creator!

   

 

 

My Sinai Agama Encounter

 

On my recent hiking expedition of the Al Hajjar Mountains,  along the Shawkha trail, I had an encounter with an amazing creature! 

I saw for the first time on its natural habitat a Sinai Agama, Pseudotrapelus sinaitus! 

I was marching back along the trail, rehydrating and then I felt a sudden movement from the boulder on my left side. Something skinny, with a long tail and a bluish head popped up. It did not immediately  darted away to hide inside the crevices, as like me it was trying to observe and assess the situation. Which was favorable for me as I was able to take some quick photos of the lizard. 

Most probably it was basking on its boulder hide out and this explorer disrupted its "sun bathing time.". 

Agamas are very agile climbers and they can easily move across the cracks and crevices of the rocky mountain surfaces. Thankfully I was able to catch a good glimpse of it even as it was trying to conceal itself from the shaded portion of the boulder.

Male Sinai Agamas exudes a very vivid blue hue during the mating season (Spring to Summer). Females are generally dull brown in color with reddish spots on the body. 

I think the Sinai Agama I encountered is preparing for the season! All the Best to you Lizard!

Amazing creature! Amazing encounter! Amazing Creator! Thanks be to the Lord!

    

On the Shawkha Hiking Trail, Ras Al Khaimah

 When facing an arduous mountain trail, there are a few questions you have to answer:

1. How much time do you have available for this expedition?

2. How far do you want to go in this seemingly endless paths and trails across the mountain range?

3. Do you have the needed physical and logistical resources to undertake the expedition?

Answer the above questions, decide, and then proceed. 

The amazing thing about hiking is the realization that, as you continue to walk, march, climb or even crawl, you are able to cover far distances. Each step takes you farther. Each step takes you higher. Each step leads to another place, another angle, another view. You can take breaks to catch your breath, rehydrate or grab a bite, but continue to move forward and take those steps. 

As you are taking those steps, give thanks to the Lord God for His amazing grace and guidance. 

As you are covering more ground, look around, listen, feel and appreciate the creative handiwork the Almighty God is allowing you to experience. 

The mountain trail is truly amazing!  

Life is a journey! Move forward! 

    

The Samurai Bug is back

 This is mega awesome!

I was able to get access back to my blog after a long hiatus!

Now I can get back to writing, expressing my thoughts and setting those words free flowing on a written canvass! Thanks be to God!

Expect regular write ups! Now that I can access my blogger back!

The Samurai Bug is back!